Since entering the league in 2018, safety Jessie Bates III has been making opposing quarterbacks pay for looking in his direction. The former second-round pick signed in Atlanta as a free agent during the 2023 offseason and turned in the best year of his professional career.
Bates recorded two of his career-high six interceptions in the team’s season-opening win over the Carolina Panthers. Through six NFL seasons, Bates has 20 interceptions, 54 passes defended and six forced fumbles. The play-making safety is finally getting the respect he deserves around the league.
Madden NFL 25 released its 10 highest-rated safeties and Bates came in at No. 1 with an overall rating of 97.
Don’t throw at these Top 10 Safeties in #Madden25 🏝️
All Safety Ratings ➡️ https://t.co/DGMKCwibBw pic.twitter.com/vtj6t97JzP
— Madden NFL 25 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 29, 2024
Bates is rated three points higher than any other safety in Madden NFL 25. Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield came in at No. 2 with a rating of 94 followed by Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (93 overall rating). Madden NFL 25 will officially be released on August 16.
The Falcons will need Bates to have another big year in 2024, especially after doing little to upgrade the secondary during the offseason. The 27-year-old has three years left on his contract in Atlanta.
